ECONOMIC CHALLENGES: Delta State Governor Calls for Innovation
ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, emphasized the need for innovative and creative governance during the swearing-in ceremony of newly appointed Commissioners and Special Advisers at Government House, Asaba, on Wednesday.
“The nation is experiencing times that require innovative and creative thinking by governments at all levels to provide good governance for the people,” Governor Oborevwori declared.
The new Commissioners appointed are Barr. Val Arenyeka for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Hon. Peter Uviejitobor for Oil and Gas, Barr. Thankgod Trakiriowei for Youth Development, Hon. Ebikeme Clark for Directorate of Riverine Infrastructural Development, Hon. Sunday Tataobuzogwu for Energy, and Mr. Smart Ijeoma for Technical Education.
The Special Advisers include Hon. George Oyefia for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Mr. Johnbull Edema for Bureau for Special Duties and Government House, Hon. Matthew Opuoru for Environment, Hon. Ramson Onoyake for Youths, Dr. Toyin Agbolayah for Community Development, and Chief Onajite Brown for Government Affairs.
In his charge to the appointees, Governor Oborevwori stated, “Staying afloat in a turbulent economy demands mental rigour, strategic planning, and creative execution of policies and programmes. I urge you all to think outside the box. As leaders, you must be resourceful, encourage and welcome new ideas, and be ready to churn out innovative policies and programmes targeted at meeting the real needs and aspirations of our people. You must, therefore, guard against nonchalant attitudes and hit the ground running.”
He further stressed the importance of fiscal discipline, probity, and accountability, advising the new appointees to familiarize themselves with financial regulations. “Your conduct must align with these values. Many political appointees have gotten into trouble simply because they did not do this. It is not that they were corrupt or were intent on committing fraud, but ignorance of the extant rules and regulations became their undoing. As we all know, ignorance is not an excuse in law,” he noted. “So, it is imperative that you educate yourself properly on financial rules and regulations to avoid running foul of the law.”
Governor Oborevwori also highlighted the need for intentional actions and effective communication among the appointees to foster understanding, build team effectiveness, and achieve lasting results.
Responding on behalf of the appointees, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr. Val Arenyeka, expressed gratitude to the Governor for their appointments. “We are honored to be found worthy to serve and assure you that we will uphold the highest standards in contributing our quota to the administration’s MORE Agenda,” he pledged.
